Hospitality Design (HD) magazine and HD Expo + Conference today announced the appointment of Alison Medina as vice president and brand director. In this newly elevated leadership role, Medina will steer the direction of the HD umbrella brand and its signature events, guiding long-term growth, relevance, and innovation.
A highly respected media and events executive, Medina brings more than two decades of experience in design journalism, content strategy, brand leadership, and corporate communications. Her deep roots in the design industry, combined with a proven ability to evolve brands in rapidly changing markets, position her as a powerful catalyst for HD’s next chapter.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the team at such a pivotal moment,” said Medina. “HD has long been the gold standard for hospitality design, known for its editorial integrity, strong sense of community, and unmatched live experiences. It’s incredibly meaningful to help shape the future of a brand I’ve long admired, and I’m energized by the opportunity to build on its legacy while helping it continue to evolve, expand, and inspire the industry it serves.”
For the first 20 years of her career, Medina championed design through the pages, events, and stages of the award-winning design:retail magazine, where she served as editor in chief and associate publisher. She later became vice president of content across multiple leading B2B brands, including RetailX, IRCE, Digital Dealer, RFID Journal LIVE!, and Prosper, overseeing editorial strategy, live event programming, and brand storytelling.
Most recently, Medina spent four years at Ernst & Young as a communications strategist and de facto chief of staff on the firm’s generational dynamics team. There, she helped translate complex research into compelling narratives for C-suite and boardroom audiences, with a focus on the future of work, consumers, and society, an experience that further sharpens her strategic lens as she returns to the design and events space.
Throughout her career, Medina has been a sought-after speaker at design industry associations, brands, universities, conferences, and trade shows (including HD Expo) sharing insights through trend presentations, panels, and keynote discussions. She has also served on numerous product and project design juries, including the EuroShop Retail Design Awards, World Interior News Awards, PAVE Student Design Competition, RDI Student Design Competition, Shop! Design Awards, and the KBIS Innovative Showroom Awards.
“Alison’s return to the design industry is a huge win for our team,” said Alissa Ponchione, editor in chief, Hospitality Design magazine. “She brings an exceptional blend of editorial credibility, strategic leadership, and event experience. Alison understands this community and its history, and that perspective will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen and grow the HD brand.”
“Having worked with Alison previously and seen her leadership firsthand, it’s incredibly exciting to welcome her into this role,” said Kevin Gaffney, senior vice president and general manager, Emerald. “She brings deep experience across editorial, live events, and brand strategy, along with a leadership style that inspires teams and earns industry trust.”
Medina holds a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism from the University of Georgia and was named one of Folio: magazine’s Top Women in Media in 2016. She has lived in three countries and eight cities, and currently resides just outside of Atlanta.
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